How to Get Pregnant

Almost any woman wondering how to get pregnant can follow a regimen to help her conceive. The guidelines are simple, but require some attention to her body and the doctor's suggestions. Healthy diet, tracking ovulation, and the timing of sex all play an important role.

Visit the Doctor

A visit to an OBGYN is a good first step in any effort to get pregnant. The doctor will assess health issues, prescribe prenatal vitamins, and check for obstacles such as infections or sexually transmitted diseases. The doctor can also recommend a method for tracking ovulation which will help to improve the chances of anything successful conception.

Tracking Ovulation with a Fertility Chart

Many women keen on learning how to get pregnant rely on a BBT (basal body temperature) chart to track cycles, which is not always successful. A fertility chart may identify the most fertile days based on monthly temperature spikes. However, if ovulation is irregular it is difficult to anticipate likely days for successfully getting pregnant. The chart does not predict ovulation-it registers a temperature spike 24 to 48 hours later-aiding prediction of ovulation in the next cycle.

How to Get Pregnant: More Reliable Fertility Tracking

An ovulation kit (or a fertility monitor) is a more reliable tool, easier to use and quite accurate. The kit tracks luteinizing hormone (LH), which increases 24 to 48 hours prior to ovulation. Release of the egg is triggered by the LH surge. Urine and saliva-based fertility monitors identify and track ovulation, even days in advance.

More Reliable Fertility Tracking

An ovulation kit (or a fertility monitor) is a more reliable tool and is easier to use. The kit tracks luteinizing hormone (LH), which increases 24 to 48 hours prior to ovulation. This works because the release of the egg is triggered by the LH surge. Urine and saliva-based fertility monitors can identify and track ovulation, even days in advance.

How Can Sex Help?

Women who have frequent sex, even when they may not be ovulating, have a better chance to get pregnant. They won't be missing opportunities if their cycle is irregular that month. Because sperm last longer than eggs (usually 3 to 5 days), the best time to have sex is before ovulation. Another note to keep in mind is that relaxed and enjoyable sex using the missionary position will allow the sperm to be drawn up into the uterus. Remaining in a prone position after sex is also helpful-the goal is to keep sperm in the vagina longer in order to increase the chances of getting pregnant.

Essential Nutrition

Anyone curious about how to get pregnant should know that a healthy diet is an important factor for successful reproduction. A woman's body needs a balanced diet of fruit, whole grains, dairy products, vegetables and lean meats to get the needed allowance of vitamins and minerals for conception. Additionally, zinc is important for men and women who want to maintain healthy reproductive systems; 15 mg a day contributes to semen production in men and ovulation in women (Oysters contain high levels of zinc). Other important vitamins for women include folic acid, calcium, and any prescribed prenatal vitamins.

Substances to Eliminate

Some women concerned about getting pregnant are having difficulties as they continue smoking, drinking or using drugs. Because these habits affect not only fertility, but also an unborn child, stop before getting pregnant. High levels of caffeine, including chocolate, lower the body's ability to absorb calcium and iron and may reduce fertility by 27 percent. Removing artificial sweeteners is also recommended.

Successful conception is possible for the majority of women without any issues. However, an important element to keep in mind is that the process must not be rushed as stress can be counterproductive. Just keep healthy, enjoy sex and you should get pregnant in no time at all. If after a year you have still not conceived, don't panic as it can take longer for some women.

We strongly support the Pro-Life Movement and we urge women who are facing an unplanned pregnancy to consider the path of Adoption rather than having abortion.